Friends at the End

I voted in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill. I share the disappointment felt by many today, whilst also recognising that others will be relieved at this outcome. We must now move forward as a country to ensure that everyone in Scotland has dignity in dying.

The Scottish Assisted Dying Bill is one of the most safeguarded in the world. It restricts assisted dying to terminally-ill mentally-competent adults (over 18) with 6 months or less to live. Disabled people and people with mental illness are not eligible unless terminally-ill. Repeated requests must be made and checks are in place for coercion and competence. People must be advised of social and palliative care options and request assisted dying because of their terminal illness. We urge MSPs to vote FOR this Bill. [Photo from stage 1 demonstration]

My statement on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill

@Islandcroft @MDMDmydecision @TheScotsman Completely agree that we need better palliative care, but this is not an either-or choice - we can and should have assisted dying as part of a well-funded palliative care service.

@MDMDmydecision @FriendsAtTheEnd @TheScotsman 30 % of people do not have access to pall care services and support , no one should be left in that position That is 1 in 3 people who need the care the support the specialists & hospices who can and will alleviate pain and suffering have no access to it Fund life not death

In the final hours of his life, Tracy’s son Brian begged his family to end his suffering. No mother should have to hear those words. No family should be left helpless while someone they love dies in avoidable distress. #AssistedDying @FriendsAtTheEnd Credit: @TheScotsman

In two days, Holyrood faces a defining vote on the Assisted Dying Bill. It has been robustly scrutinised and contains strong safeguards. In my @Sunday_Mail column today, I explain why I’m voting yes to dignity, autonomy and compassion for terminally-ill people in Scotland. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Jonathan Dimbleby warns Lords it is 'inhumane' to block assisted dying bill - The Mirror mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/j…

Baroness Murphy is right. Helping a terminally ill person who is desperately suffering is not morally abhorrent. Forcing them to suffer against their will is.

I stand in support of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill. I’ve long believed that compassion and choice must guide how we support those facing the end of their life.

Arriving at Holyrood ahead of this afternoons Cross-Party Group meeting on End of Life Choices chaired by @RonaMackaySNP. All MSPs welcome for an update from Liam McArthur MSP on the assisted dying bill and an opportunity to discuss the details of the bill with a range of experts. Lunch provided. Room TG.20, from 1pm. #AssistedDying

As the final vote on legalising assisted dying draws closer in the Scottish Parliament, our Convener Emma Cooper reflects on the claims made by opponents. The Scottish legislation is robust, well considered, and will offer another choice to those who wish to end their life with dignity.

Are you passionate about human rights, dignity, and compassionate choices at the end of life? Join our Board and help steer our work at this pivotal moment in Scotland’s journey toward assisted dying legislation: fate.scot/what-can-you-d…

FATE Convenor Emma Cooper: "As someone who’s seen first-hand the pain that can accompany death, I know it’s vital we give people the right to die on their own terms. On behalf of FATE, I welcome this historic step and stand with all those who have waited so long for this moment" #ScotsForDignity

A STEP TOWARDS GREATER COMPASSION IN SCOTLAND: MSPs vote 70-56 to support the principles of Liam McArthur’s assisted dying Bill.

@colinsmythmsp @MonicaLennon7 The lack of clarity in the existing law causes stress and confusion for dying people and their loved ones. It puts doctors in impossible posisions, leaving them feeling ethically compromised when dying patients are forced to suffer against their wishes. #ScotsForDignity (2/2)

@colinsmythmsp @MonicaLennon7 Stephen Kerr claims that the current law on asissted dying is clear and safe. In Scotland there is no crime of assisted suicide. But helping someone to die risks prosecution for murder, culpable homicide or reckless endangerment. (1/2)

The Scottish Parliament’s debate on the #AssistedDying Bill brought forward by Liam McArthur MSP gets underway in just under half an hour. We’ll be sharing and responding to MSP’s comments as they happen, so stay tuned to keep up with the debate! #ScotsForDignity

"For me this [assisted dying] debate is much like that around abortion. If you don't agree with abortion, don't have one, but don't remove that choice from others." @lornaslater MSP